Housebuilding, sustainability and affordability in the West Midlands
This blog was written as part of the 2025 Birmingham Economic Review, an annual report produced by University of Birmingham/City-REDI in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Read the full report.
By Glenn Harris, CEO, Midland Heart
Not only is the West Midlands at the forefront of a housing transformation driven by the dual imperatives of sustainability and affordability, but I’m also pleased and proud to say Midland Heart is leading the way too.
Our proposed Eco Village scheme will be the first of its type in the country. In this vanguard development we are looking to integrate ‘place’, renewable energy, and natural materials to create a low-carbon impact community that is also at 100 per cent social or affordable rent, or shared ownership.
The project will use district biomass heating, green roofs, and local brickwork to blend sustainability, affordability with visual appeal.
As the region continues to grow, with a young and diverse population, the pressure to deliver homes that are both environmentally responsible and financially accessible is intensifying. Sustainability is no longer a niche concern – it’s central to the region’s housing strategy.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) launched its Homes for the Future strategy, aligning carbon reduction goals with advanced manufacturing methods.
The strategy promotes the use of modern methods of construction (MMC), such as modular building and digital design, to create energy-efficient homes that are warmer, healthier, and cheaper to run.
The region is also embracing a ‘brownfield first’ policy, prioritising the redevelopment of previously used land. Research shows that over 191,000 homes could be built on brownfield sites in the region, many of which already have planning permission.
The mayor’s £200 million brownfield development fund is bringing forward brownfield sites across our region, from Yardley Brook to Sandwell to Dudley to Kingswinford. Delivering these homes is key to the region’s aspirations.
Underlying that, affordability remains a critical challenge. Over 60,000 households are on housing waiting lists, and more than 13,000 children live in temporary accommodation across the region. Mayor Richard Parker has committed to building 20,000 new social homes over the next decade. The sites named above as well as Port Loop in Edgbaston, and other sites in Digbeth, will deliver hundreds of new homes with a majority designated for affordable or social rent.
The Homes for the West Midlands LLP, a collaboration between five housing associations and WMCA continues to collaborate to accelerate affordable housing delivery. Its first project, a 100% affordable housing scheme on a former industrial site in the Black Country has been launched, using modern methods of construction to reduce both costs and carbon emissions.
Nationally, Government support has also increased, with a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, aiming to deliver 1.5 million homes nationwide. The West Midlands is expected to benefit significantly, with funding directed toward unlocking stalled developments and training 12,000 construction workers to support house building.
Sustainable and affordable housing is not just about buildings though – it’s about building communities.
Through our own investment, section 106 contributions and developer support for local infrastructure, including schools, parks, and healthcare facilities, we can ensure that these new homes enhance quality of life tenants, communities and for the whole region.
